Folding mat

ABSTRACT

A mat comprising a vertical axis, a horizontal axis, and a first, second, third and fourth section. Each section has a top edge, a bottom edge, a left side edge and a right side edge. The mat also has a first folding line disposed along the vertical axis, and a second folding line disposed along the horizontal axis. The right side edge of the first section is coupled to the left side edge of the second section, the bottom edge of the first section is coupled to the top edge of the third section, the right side edge of the third section is coupled to the left side edge of the fourth section, and the top edge of the fourth section is coupled to the bottom edge of the second section.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/386,291 titled “Folding, Cushioned Playmat” filed Nov. 25, 2015 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/363,145 titled “Folding Mat” filed Jul. 15, 2016, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Mats for sitting on or working on are well known. Mats are sections of material typically comprising some form of rubber or foam that are placed on a ground surface and provide comfort for sitting, standing or working on.

A problem arises in such prior art in moving and storing the mats. When not in use, mats are usually picked up off the ground surface and rolled up to form a cylindrical tube. However, because the mat is designed to lay flat on a surface, it does not stay in the rolled position on its own. A user is then required to wrap some sort of binding around the mat to keep it rolled up.

Additionally, when the mat is rolled up, the bottom surface of the mat that was in contact with the unsanitary ground surface is now rolled right up against the sanitary top surface of the mat, contaminating the previously sanitary top surface, and completely defeating the purpose of using the mat in the first place. This is extremely undesirable, especially if the mat is used for a child to play on. Cleanliness of the play surface is very important to prevent the child from becoming sick.

Moreover, the size of a rolled mat is difficult to handle as well. It can be large and bulky and difficult to maneuver and grip.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved mat and carrying case which avoids the problems associated with the prior art. The present invention satisfies this need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a mat comprising: a) a vertical axis centered along a length of the mat; b) a horizontal axis centered along a width of the mat; c) a first section having a top edge, a bottom edge, a left side edge and a right side edge; d) a second section having a top edge, a bottom edge, a left side edge and a right side edge; e) a third section having a top edge, a bottom edge, a left side edge and a right side edge; f) a fourth section having a top edge, a bottom edge, a left side edge and a right side edge; g) a first folding line disposed along the vertical axis; and h) a second folding line disposed along the horizontal axis; wherein the right side edge of the first section is coupled to the left side edge of the second section, the bottom edge of the first section is coupled to the top edge of the third section, the right side edge of the third section is coupled to the left side edge of the fourth section, and the top edge of the fourth section is coupled to the bottom edge of the second section. In another embodiment, the mat comprises one or more layers of material. In another embodiment, the mat comprises a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer disposed between the first and second layers. In another embodiment, the first and second layers have a thickness that is less than a thickness of the third layer. In another embodiment, the first layer comprises a folding mechanism for the first and second folding lines, and the second and third layers directly beneath the first and second folding lines comprise a score line and are not continuous. In another embodiment, the first and third sections are disposed on one side of the vertical axis, and the second fourth sections are disposed on an other side of the vertical axis, and the first and second sections are disposed on one side of the horizontal axis, and the third and fourth sections are disposed on an other side of the horizontal axis. In another embodiment, the mat further comprises a third folding line disposed diagonally across the mat. In another embodiment, the second layer comprises a folding mechanism for the third folding line, and the first and third layers directly above the third folding line comprise a score line and are not continuous. In another embodiment, the first, second and third folding lines intersect each other at a center of the mat. In yet another embodiment, the third folding line bifurcates two of the four sections in half.

In another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a mat comprising: a) a first section having a right side edge, a bottom edge, and an arcuate edge connecting the right side edge to the bottom edge; b) a second section having left side edge and a bottom edge with an arcuate edge connecting the left side edge and the bottom edge; c) a third section having a right side edge, top edge, and an arcuate edge connecting the right side edge to the top edge; d) a fourth section having a left side edge, a top edge, and an arcuate edge connecting the left side edge and the top edge; e) a first folding line disposed along a vertical axis of the mat; and f) a second folding line disposed along a horizontal axis of the mat; wherein the right side edge of the first section is coupled to the left side edge of the second section, the bottom edge of the first section is coupled to the top edge of the third section, the right side edge of the third section is coupled to the left side edge of the fourth section, and the top edge of the fourth section is coupled to the bottom edge of the second section. In another embodiment, the mat comprises one or more layers of material. In another embodiment the mat comprises a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer disposed between the first and second layers. In another embodiment of the mat, the first and second layers have a thickness that is less than a thickness of the third layer. In another embodiment, the first layer comprises a folding mechanism for the first and second folding lines, and the second and third layers directly beneath the first and second folding lines comprise a score line and are not continuous.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the mat comprises a vertical axis centered along a length of the mat, and a horizontal axis centered along a width of the mat, and the first and third sections are disposed on one side of the vertical axis, and the second fourth sections are disposed on an other side of the vertical axis, and the first and second sections are disposed on one side of the horizontal axis, and the third and fourth sections are disposed on an other side of the horizontal axis. In another embodiment, the mat further comprises a third folding line disposed diagonally across the mat. In another embodiment, the second layer comprises a folding mechanism for the third folding line, and the first and third layers directly above the third folding line comprise a score line and are not continuous.

In another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of folding a mat, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing an unfolded mat, the mat comprising i) a vertical axis centered along a length of the mat; ii) a horizontal axis centered along a width of the mat; iii) a first section having a top edge, a bottom edge, a left side edge and a right side edge; iv) a second section having a top edge, a bottom edge, a left side edge and a right side edge; v) a third section having a top edge, a bottom edge, a left side edge and a right side edge; vi) a fourth section having a top edge, a bottom edge, a left side edge and a right side edge; g) a first folding line disposed along the vertical axis; vii) a second folding line disposed along the horizontal axis; and viii) a third folding line disposed diagonally across the mat; wherein the right side edge of the first section is coupled to the left side edge of the second section, the bottom edge of the first section is coupled to the top edge of the third section, the right side edge of the third section is coupled to the left side edge of the fourth section, and the top edge of the fourth section is coupled to the bottom edge of the second section; b) pulling the second section up, causing the mat to fold along the first and second folding lines; c) folding the first and fourth sections in half along the third folding line; and d) moving the second section towards the third section, until the second section can move no further and the folded first and fourth sections are disposed between the second and third sections.

In another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of folding a mat, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing an unfolded mat, the mat comprising: i) a first section having a right side edge, a bottom edge, and an arcuate edge connecting the right side edge to the bottom edge; ii) a second section having left side edge and a bottom edge with an arcuate edge connecting the left side edge and the bottom edge; iii) a third section having a right side edge, top edge, and an arcuate edge connecting the right side edge to the top edge; iv) a fourth section having a left side edge, a top edge, and an arcuate edge connecting the left side edge and the top edge; v) a first folding line disposed along a vertical axis of the mat; vi) a second folding line disposed along a horizontal axis of the mat; and vii) a third folding line disposed diagonally along the mat; wherein the right side edge of the first section is coupled to the left side edge of the second section, the bottom edge of the first section is coupled to the top edge of the third section, the right side edge of the third section is coupled to the left side edge of the fourth section, and the top edge of the fourth section is coupled to the bottom edge of the second section; b) pulling the second section up, causing the mat to fold along the first, second and third folding lines; c) folding the first and fourth sections in half along the third folding line; and d) moving the second section towards the third section, until the second section can move no further and the folded first and fourth sections are disposed between the second and third sections.

DRAWINGS

Features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a mat and a carrying case, having features of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the unfolded carrying case, having features of the present invention;

FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the mat folded inside the folded carrying case, having features of the present invention;

FIG. 2A is a left side elevation view the carrying case illustrated in FIG. 1C, wherein the carrying case is holding the folded mat;

FIG. 2B is a front elevation view of the carrying case illustrated in FIG. 1C, wherein the carrying case is holding the folded mat;

FIG. 2C is a right side elevation view of the carrying case illustrated in FIG. 1C, wherein the carrying case is holding the folded mat;

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the carrying case illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C, wherein the side flaps of the carrying case are uncoupled;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the empty carrying case illustrated in FIGS. 1B and 1C, wherein the side flaps of the carrying case are uncoupled;

FIG. 4B is a top plan view of the empty carrying case illustrated in FIGS. 1B and 1C, wherein the side flaps of the carrying case are uncoupled;

FIG. 5 is a rear elevation view of the carrying case illustrated in FIGS. 1B and 1C;

FIG. 6A is a top plan view of the carrying case and folded mat illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1C, wherein the carrying case has been opened and unfolded, and the mat is still folded;

FIG. 6B is a top plan view of the carrying case illustrated in FIG. 1B, wherein the carrying case has been opened and unfolded, and the mat has been removed;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view the mat illustrated in FIG. 1A, wherein the mat has been unfolded on top of the open carrying case;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the folding mat illustrated in FIG. 1, wherein the mat has been unfolded;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the first step of folding the mat illustrated in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the second step of folding the mat illustrated in FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the third step of folding the mat illustrated in FIG. 8;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the fourth step of folding the folding mat illustrated in FIG. 8, wherein the mat is in the closed and fully folded position and coupled to the carrying case; and

FIG. 13 is a front plan elevation of a folding mechanism of the mat.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following discussion describes in detail one embodiment of the invention and several variations of that embodiment. This discussion should not be construed, however, as limiting the invention to those particular embodiments. Practitioners skilled in the art will recognize numerous other embodiments as well.

Definitions

As used herein, the following terms and variations thereof have the meanings given below, unless a different meaning is clearly intended by the context in which such term is used.

The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” and similar referents used herein are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural unless their usage in context indicates otherwise.

As used in this disclosure, the term “comprise” and variations of the term, such as “comprising” and “comprises,” are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers, ingredients or steps.

The Folding Mat

Referring now to FIGS. 7-13, in one aspect, the present invention is a mat 100, which can be folded, comprising a first, second, third and fourth sections 102, 104, 106, 108 coupled together. The folding mat 100 also comprises a first, second and third folding lines 120, 122, 124. The folding mat 100 can be any of several shapes, including, but not limited to, a circle, oval, square, rectangle, parallelogram, hexagon, octagon, and other polygons. In all cases, however, the shape of the folding mat 100 must be symmetrical with respect to the first, second, and third folding lines 120, 122, 124, such that each half of the folding mat 100 created by each folding line 120, 122, 124 is identical in shape to its other half.

Each section 102, 104, 106, 108 can also be any of several shapes, including but not limited to a circle, oval, triangle, square, rectangle, parallelogram, hexagon, octagon, sector and other polygons. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the folding mat 100 and each section 102, 104, 106, 108 are all square shaped. The sections 102, 104, 106, 108 should be identical to one another, so that when coupled together the sections 102, 104, 106, 108 form the folding mat 100, and when the folding mat 100 is folded, the edges of the sections 102, 104, 106, 108 are all aligned. Additionally, the four sections 102, 104, 106, 108 can be coupled to each other in any order to form the folding mat 100 (so that the first section 102 does not always have to be first, and so on).

If the sections 102, 104, 106, 108 are square or rectangle shaped, as shown in the Figures, each section 102, 104, 106, 108 comprises four edges: a top edge, a bottom edge, a left side edge and a right side edge. The four sections 102, 104, 106, 108 can be coupled to each other in any order, but as shown in the Figures, the right side edge of the first section 102 is coupled to the left side edge of the second section 104, the bottom edge of the first section 102 is coupled to the top edge of the third section 106, the right side edge of the third section 106 is coupled to the left side edge of the fourth section 108, and the top edge of the fourth section 108 is coupled to the bottom edge of the second section 104. Thus, once arranged as disclosed, the four sections 102, 104, 106, 108 comprise a single folding mat 100. But this specific arrangement is not required. The sections 102, 104, 106, 108 can be coupled to each other in any order, and different edges of the sections 102, 104, 106, 108 can be coupled to each other. It is only required that once the four section 102, 104, 106, 108 are coupled together, they form the desired shape of the folding mat 100.

If the sections 102, 104, 106, 108 are not square or rectangle shaped, they can have more than four edges or less than four edges. For example, if the folding mat 100 is in the shape of a circle, the sections 102, 104, 106, 108 would each be in the shape of a sector (a pie-shaped part of a circle) and each section 102, 104, 106, 108 would have three edges as follows: the first section 102 would have a right side edge and a bottom edge, with an arcuate (curved) edge connecting the right side edge to the bottom edge, the second section 104 would have a left side edge and a bottom edge with an arcuate edge connecting the left side edge and the bottom edge, the third section 106 would have a right side edge and top edge with an arcuate edge connecting the right side edge to the top edge, and the fourth section 108 would have a left side edge and a top edge with an arcuate edge connecting the left side edge and the top edge. Accordingly, the sections 102, 104, 106, 108 can be any shape and comprise any number of edges necessary to achieve the overall shape of the folding mat 100.

The designations of “left side” and “right side” are for descriptive purposes only and are not a limitation. They are based on viewing the folding mat 100 when it is unfolded, from a top plan view. If the folding mat 100 were viewed from a bottom plan view, the designations would be reversed. Therefore, the designations of “left side” and “right side” are not limitations.

Additionally, the designations of “bottom” and “top” are also for descriptive purposes only and are not a limitation. They are based on viewing the folding mat 100 when it is unfolded, from a front plan elevation view. If the folding mat 100 were viewed from a bottom plan view, the designations would be reversed. Therefore, the designations of “bottom” and “top” are not limitations.

The folding mat 100 can be made out of any material, but preferably is made from foam, rubber, textile, or other cushioned material.

As shown in FIG. 13, the folding mat 100 can comprise one or more layers of material, but preferably comprises a first, second and third layers 110, 112, 114. The first layer 110 comprises an upper surface 116 of the folding mat 100, the second layer 112 comprises a lower surface 118 of the folding mat 100, and the third layer 114 is disposed between the first layer 110 and the second layer 112. The first and second layers 110, 112 can be any thickness, but are typically thinner than the third layer 114 and are pliable. The third layer 114 provides the cushioning and thermal insulation for the folding mat 100, and typically comprises a thicker layer of foam or rubber material. The three layers 110, 112, 114 can be coupled together by any means, including but not limited to an adhesive, heat curing, heat bonding, or stitching. Optionally, the folding mat 100 can comprise a single layer of material.

The folding mat 100 also comprises a vertical axis and a horizontal axis. The vertical axis is centered along the length of the folding mat 100 such that it bifurcates the folding mat 100 into two identical halves. Typically, the first and third sections 102, 106 are disposed on one side of the vertical axis and the second and fourth sections 104, 108 are disposed on the other side of the vertical axis. The horizontal axis is centered along the width of the folding mat 100 such that it also bifurcates the folding mat 100 into identical two halves. Typically, the first and second sections 102, 104 are disposed on one side of the horizontal axis and the third and fourth sections 106, 108 are disposed on the other side of the horizontal axis.

The vertical axis comprises the first folding line 120 and the horizontal axis comprises the second folding line 122. The third folding line 124 is disposed diagonally across the folding mat 100. The first, second and third folding lines 120, 122, 124 all intersect each other in the center of the folding mat 100. The third folding line 124 can be at any angle relative to both the first and second folding lines 120, 122 (and consequently the vertical and horizontal axes). In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the third folding line 124 is at a 45 degree angle relative to the first and second folding lines 120, 122. If the folding mat is in the shape of a square or rectangle, the third folding line 124 is disposed from the top left corner of the first section 102 to the bottom right corner of the fourth section 108. Optionally, the third folding line 124 could be disposed diagonally across the folding mat 100 from the top right corner of the second section 104 to the bottom left corner of the third section 106. The third folding line 124 will bifurcate two of the four sections 102, 104, 106, 108 in half, as shown in the Figures.

As shown in FIGS. 9-13, the first and second folding lines 120, 122 are disposed along the upper surface 116 of the folding mat 100 and the third folding line 124 is disposed along the lower surface 118 of the folding mat 100. In order for the folding mat 100 to fold as disclosed, the first and second folding lines 120, 122 must be disposed along one surface of the folding mat 100 (either the upper surface 116 or the lower surface 118) and the third folding line 124 must be disposed along the other surface of the folding mat 100 (either the upper surface 116 or the lower surface 118). Thus, as shown in the Figures, the first layer 110 of the folding mat 100 provides a folding mechanism or soft hinge for the first and second folding lines 120, 122, and the second layer 112 of the folding mat 100 provides a folding mechanism or soft hinge for the third folding line 124.

As can be seen in the Figures, where the first layer 110 of the folding mat 100 comprises the folding mechanism for the first and second folding lines 120, 122, the second and third layers 112, 114 of the folding mat 100 directly beneath the first and second folding lines 120, 122 comprise a score line and are not continuous, which allows the folding mat 100 to easily fold and hinge along the first and second folding lines 120, 122. Additionally, where the second layer 112 of the folding mat 100 comprises the folding mechanism for the third folding line 124, the first and third layers 110, 114 of the folding mat 100 directly above the third folding line 124 also comprise a score line and are not continuous, which allows the folding mat 100 to easily fold and hinge along the third folding line 124. FIG. 13 provides a close-up illustration of the folding mechanism or soft hinge.

A method of folding the folding mat 100 is shown in FIGS. 7-12. FIGS. 7 and 8 show the folding mat 100 unfolded. FIG. 9 shows the first step of folding the folding mat 100, wherein the second section 104 is pulled up off the ground surface, causing the folding mat 100 to begin folding along the first, second and third folding lines 120, 122, 124. FIGS. 10 through 12 show the progression of the folding action, as the first and fourth sections 102, 108 of the folding mat 100 fold along the third folding line 124, and the second section 104 continues to move forward and downward towards the third section 106, until the second section 104 can move no further and the folded first and fourth sections 102, 108 are disposed between the second and third sections 104, 106.

The folding mat 100 of the present invention can be utilized as an exercise or performance mat, a sleeping surface such as a portable mattress or sleeping pad, therapeutic medical cushions, pet and animal beds, and even seat cushions for chairs and benches.

The Carrying Case

Referring now to FIGS. 1-6, the invention is also a carrying case 200 that can accompany the mat 100, or any other accessory. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the carrying case 200 comprises a body 202 comprising a first side panel 204, a second side panel 206, and a bottom panel 208. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the carrying case 200 can be opened and laid flat to comprise an open position 210, and can be folded closed, to comprise a closed position 212.

The first side panel 204 and the second side panel 206 each comprise an inside surface, an outside surface, a top edge, a bottom edge, a left side edge, and a right side edge. The bottom edge of the first side panel 204 is coupled to one edge of the bottom panel 208, and the bottom edge of the second side panel 206 is coupled to the opposing edge of the bottom panel 208. Alternatively, the first and second side panels 204, 206 and the bottom panel 208 can all be formed from a single piece of material, such that the body 202 comprises one single piece or length of material, rather than three distinct panels.

The designations of “left side” and “right side” are for descriptive purposes only and are not a limitation. They are based on viewing the carrying case 200 from a top plan view. If the carrying case 200 were viewed from a bottom plan view, the designations would be reversed. Therefore, the designations of “left side” and “right side” are not limitations.

Additionally, the designations of “bottom” and “top” are also for descriptive purposes only and are not a limitation. They are based on viewing the carrying case 200 when it is in the closed position, standing upright, from a front plan elevation view. If the carrying case 200 were viewed from a bottom plan view, the designations would be reversed. Therefore, the designations of “bottom” and “top” are not limitations.

The body 202, the first side panel 204, the second side panel 206, and the bottom panel 208 can be made from any material, including but not limited to fabric, nylon, and plastic. The shapes of the body 202, the first side panel 204, the second side panel 206, and the bottom panel 208 will be dictated by the contents that the carrying case 200 is designed to carry, and thus can be any shape, including but not limited to a circle, oval, triangle, square, rectangle, parallelogram, hexagon, octagon, polygon and sector. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, because the folding mat 100 is in the shape of a square, the body 202 and the bottom panel 208 are in the shape of rectangles and the first side panel 204 and the second side panel 206 are in the shape of squares.

As shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 6A, 6B the carrying case 200 further comprises at least four flaps 214, 216, 218, 220, forming two pairs of opposed flaps 222, 224. A first flap 214 is coupled to the left side edge of the first side panel 204, and a second flap 216 is coupled to the right side edge of the first side panel 204. A third flap 218 is coupled to the left side edge of the second side panel 206, and a fourth flap 220 is coupled to the right side edge of the second side panel 206. Thus, the first and third flaps 214, 218 form a first pair of opposed flaps 222 and the second and fourth flaps 216, 220 form a second pair of opposed flaps 224. The flaps 214, 216, 218, 220 can be made out of any material, including but not limited to fabric, nylon and plastic, and can be any shape and any dimension. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the flaps 214, 216, 218, 220 are rectangle shaped and are the same length as the first and second side panels 204, 206 they are coupled to. Optionally, the flaps 214, 216, 218, 220 could be much smaller and extend only part of the way down the first and second side panels 204, 206 they are coupled to. Optionally, the carrying case 200 could comprise more than four flaps 214, 216, 218, 220.

As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, all four flaps 214, 216, 218, 220 comprise one or more first engagement mechanisms 226 which, when the carrying case 200 is folded into its closed position 212, are engaged and prevent the carrying case 200 from moving to the open position 210 without direct input from a user. The one or more first engagement mechanisms 226 can comprise any mechanism that enables each of the pairs of opposed flaps 222, 224 to removably couple to each other. The one or more first engagement mechanisms 226 include but are not limited to zippers, a fabric hook and loop fastener, hooks, clasps, snaps, buttons and magnets. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the one or more first engagement mechanisms 226 comprise one or more pairs of magnets, wherein each of the pair of opposed flaps 222, 224 comprises at least one magnet (together comprising a pair of magnets), such that when the pair of magnets are in close proximity to each other, they attract and engage each other, thereby removably coupling the pair of opposed flaps 222, 224 together and retaining the carrying case 200 in the closed position 212. However, once a user desires to move the carrying case 200 from the closed position 212 to the open position 210, they simply apply a small amount of pressure to each of the first and second side panels 204, 206, pulling the first and second side panels 204, 206 apart, and consequently disengaging the pairs of magnets in the pairs of opposed flaps 222, 224.

As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, each of the first and second side panels 204, 206 also comprises at least one handle 228 coupled to their top edges. The handle(s) 228 provides an easy way for a user to grip and transport the carrying case 200, and ultimately its contents as well.

Optionally, the top edges of the first and second side panels 204, 206 can comprise one or more second engagement mechanisms 230 to provide an additional means of securing the first side panel 204 to the second side panel 206, and thus securing the carrying case 200 in the closed position 212. As shown in the Figures, the one or more second engagement mechanisms 230 can comprise a strap 232 coupled to the top edge of the second side panel 206, wherein one end of the strap 232 is securely coupled to the top edge of the second side panel 206 and the other end of the strap 232 can be removably coupled to the top edge of the first side panel 204, via a fabric hook and loop fastener, snap mechanism, clip mechanism, hook mechanism, or some other removable coupling engagement mechanism. Optionally, one end of the strap 232 can be securely coupled to the top edge of the first side panel 204 and the other end of the strap 232 can be removably coupled to the top edge of the second side panel 206. The strap 232 can be any size and any dimension, and made from any material, including but not limited to fabric, nylon, plastic, or rubber.

Optionally, as shown in FIG. 6B, the inside surface of the first and second side panels 204, 206 can comprise an attachment mechanism 234 to removably couple the folding mat 100 to the carrying case 200. Optionally the attachment mechanism 234 can removably couple the folding mat 100 to the bottom panel 208. The attachment mechanism 234 can comprise any mechanism that permits the removable attachment of the folding mat 100 to the inside surface of either the first or the second side panel 204, 206, or the bottom panel 208. The attachment mechanism 234 can include but is not limited to a fabric hook and loop fastener, zippers, snaps, magnets, hooks, clasps, and buttons.

Optionally, as shown in FIG. 3, the outside surface of the first and second side panels 204, 206 can comprise one or more pockets 236 integrated into, or coupled to, their outside surfaces. The one or more pockets 236 provide extra storage space for the user.

The carrying case 200 can be coupled to exercise mats, beach towels, picnic blankets, and other surface coverings, allowing them to be carried conveniently within the enveloping carrying case 200.

Having thus described the invention, it should be apparent that numerous structural modifications and adaptations may be resorted to without departing from the scope and fair meaning of the instant invention as set forth herein above and described herein below by the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A mat comprising: a) a vertical axis centered along a length of the mat; b) a horizontal axis centered along a width of the mat; c) a first section having a top edge, a bottom edge, a left side edge and a right side edge; d) a second section having a top edge, a bottom edge, a left side edge and a right side edge; e) a third section having a top edge, a bottom edge, a left side edge and a right side edge; f) a fourth section having a top edge, a bottom edge, a left side edge and a right side edge; g) a first folding line disposed along the vertical axis; and h) a second folding line disposed along the horizontal axis; wherein the right side edge of the first section is coupled to the left side edge of the second section, the bottom edge of the first section is coupled to the top edge of the third section, the right side edge of the third section is coupled to the left side edge of the fourth section, and the top edge of the fourth section is coupled to the bottom edge of the second section.
 2. The mat of claim 1, wherein the mat comprises one or more layers of material.
 3. The mat of claim 2, wherein the mat comprises a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer disposed between the first and second layers.
 4. The mat of claim 3, wherein the first and second layers have a thickness that is less than a thickness of the third layer.
 5. The mat of claim 3, wherein the first layer comprises a folding mechanism for the first and second folding lines, and the second and third layers directly beneath the first and second folding lines comprise a score line and are not continuous.
 6. The mat of claim 1, wherein the first and third sections are disposed on one side of the vertical axis, and the second fourth sections are disposed on an other side of the vertical axis, and the first and second sections are disposed on one side of the horizontal axis, and the third and fourth sections are disposed on an other side of the horizontal axis.
 7. The mat of claim 1, further comprising a third folding line disposed diagonally across the mat.
 8. The mat of claim 3, wherein the second layer comprises a folding mechanism for a third folding line, and the first and third layers directly above the third folding line comprise a score line and are not continuous.
 9. The mat of claim 7, wherein the first, second and third folding lines intersect each other at a center of the mat.
 10. The mat of claim 7, wherein the third folding line bifurcates two of the four sections in half.
 11. A mat comprising: a) a first section having a right side edge, a bottom edge, and an arcuate edge connecting the right side edge to the bottom edge; b) a second section having left side edge and a bottom edge with an arcuate edge connecting the left side edge and the bottom edge; c) a third section having a right side edge, top edge, and an arcuate edge connecting the right side edge to the top edge; d) a fourth section having a left side edge, a top edge, and an arcuate edge connecting the left side edge and the top edge; e) a first folding line disposed along a vertical axis of the mat; and f) a second folding line disposed along a horizontal axis of the mat; wherein the right side edge of the first section is coupled to the left side edge of the second section, the bottom edge of the first section is coupled to the top edge of the third section, the right side edge of the third section is coupled to the left side edge of the fourth section, and the top edge of the fourth section is coupled to the bottom edge of the second section.
 12. The mat of claim 11, wherein the mat comprises one or more layers of material.
 13. The mat of claim 12, wherein the mat comprises a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer disposed between the first and second layers.
 14. The mat of claim 13, wherein the first and second layers have a thickness that is less than a thickness of the third layer.
 15. The mat of claim 13, wherein the first layer comprises a folding mechanism for the first and second folding lines, and the second and third layers directly beneath the first and second folding lines comprise a score line and are not continuous.
 16. The mat of claim 11, wherein the mat comprises a vertical axis centered along a length of the mat, and a horizontal axis centered along a width of the mat, and the first and third sections are disposed on one side of the vertical axis, and the second fourth sections are disposed on an other side of the vertical axis, and the first and second sections are disposed on one side of the horizontal axis, and the third and fourth sections are disposed on an other side of the horizontal axis.
 17. The mat of claim 11, further comprising a third folding line disposed diagonally across the mat.
 18. The mat of claim 13, wherein the second layer comprises a folding mechanism for a third folding line, and the first and third layers directly above the third folding line comprise a score line and are not continuous.
 19. A method of folding a mat, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing an unfolded mat of claim 7; b) pulling the second section up, causing the mat to fold along the first, second and third folding lines; c) folding the first and fourth sections in half along the third folding line; and d) moving the second section towards the third section, until the second section can move no further and the folded first and fourth sections are disposed between the second and third sections.
 20. A method of folding a mat, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing an unfolded mat, the mat comprising: i) a first section having a right side edge, a bottom edge, and an arcuate edge connecting the right side edge to the bottom edge; ii) a second section having left side edge and a bottom edge with an arcuate edge connecting the left side edge and the bottom edge; iii) a third section having a right side edge, top edge, and an arcuate edge connecting the right side edge to the top edge; iv) a fourth section having a left side edge, a top edge, and an arcuate edge connecting the left side edge and the top edge; v) a first folding line disposed along a vertical axis of the mat; vi) a second folding line disposed along a horizontal axis of the mat; and vii) a third folding line disposed diagonally along the mat; wherein the right side edge of the first section is coupled to the left side edge of the second section, the bottom edge of the first section is coupled to the top edge of the third section, the right side edge of the third section is coupled to the left side edge of the fourth section, and the top edge of the fourth section is coupled to the bottom edge of the second section; b) pulling the second section up, causing the mat to fold along the first, second and third folding lines; c) folding the first and fourth sections in half along the third folding line; and d) moving the second section towards the third section, until the second section can move no further and the folded first and fourth sections are disposed between the second and third sections. 